20 Fun Facts About Sash Windows Cambridge

How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in cambridge windows

Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows that are traditional and homeowners are proud of their appearance. However, sash windows may become stuck and difficult to open or close. This is often due to moisture that can cause the timber to expand.

Traditionally, windows made of box sash utilised chains, cotton cords or weights made of lead to operate. Modern sash window springs are hidden to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

Contrary to PVC-u windows which are manufactured to modular imperial sizes the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original size. This allows the restoration of timber sash windows to meet current energy requirements and to comply with conservation regulations for areas. It also offers windows that have a more attractive appearance than uPVC alternatives.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only used for large buildings or public buildings. However, this changed when production became cheaper and artisans could create larger frames using greater glass. By the late 18th century sash windows were the dominant wooden design in most British properties. As they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without curtains.

The first windows were made of plain glass, but by the 17th century, sash windows were becoming more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. These were very expensive at the time, but as glass production improved and less expensive, they were a common feature in numerous period houses.

In the 19th century, it became possible to make large, strong glasses that did not require supporting bars. This allowed for the frame to be made larger which, in turn, provided a better view. This was a very important advancement.

Another important improvement was the introduction of the double glazed door repairs-hung sliding window at the end of the I920s and beginning of I930s. The double-hung sliding sash was another significant improvement that came about at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s.

The most commonly used type of sash is made of slow-growing deal (pine) but oak was utilized in more luxurious buildings and in some earlier examples. A split bead divides the two sashes. It is essential that it is maintained in order to avoid rattles and draughts. It is also crucial that the idler and sash pulley wheels are in good working order as they assist in operating the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows replaced hinged casements as clearer and larger sheets were made available. Plate glass was set into frames made of timber, which were secured with glazing sprigs and putty was sprayed on the frame's two sides for watertightness. This type of glazing gradually superseded led lights.

Sashes were introduced, which resulted in increased demand for ironmongery. The most common fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights as well as sash stoppers, shutter hinges and handles, and various fasteners used to fix the sashes. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions and designs that were engraved to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be extremely energy-efficient with regular maintenance. However, without this maintenance they can become draughty and let in cold air. Putty and paint can cause draughts. You can fix this problem with wood-to-timber products.

The industry of replacement windows is based on the perception that older windows are old and beyond repair, whereas they can be easily maintained with a little attention. Repairs can be expensive and cause a lot of disruption in the home. To avoid this homeowners often prefer to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one of the large "one-stop shop" installation companies. They can replace all windows in a house in one day, thereby saving time and avoiding the need for multiple tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be fitted with 'energy-saving' double glazing to achieve more energy efficient ratings than a traditional sash window. However, these double-glazed units cannot reproduce the proportions and section of historic timber sashes.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their aesthetics. Many types of ironmongery can be installed, including sash chains, mortice bolts, and sash locks. They can be positioned in a manner that the window can be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. These products are usually unobtrusive, as they are designed to match the sash Window Installation Cambridge. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catch. They should be replaced with more robust versions like ones that have double screws, or sprung levers to decrease the chance of being hit with hammers.

Sash-window frames are traditionally constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. Where glazing bars have survived they should be kept, and where possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by identical wood. PVC-U companies usually provide a one-stop shop installation service, which includes removing and replacing windows across a house in a day without the need to engage other tradespeople or co-ordinate various visits from a number of different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a large amount of light into the buildings. In the 18th century, they had been modified so that more light could be let into rooms. Larger glass panes were also created. The result was a more streamlined appearance, and windows with a greater degree of elegance than before.

The introduction of sash windows also required an entirely new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys could be made of wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of leaded and wood. There were also various kinds of knobs and shutter hinges. These ironmongery pieces should be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their beautiful design.

Timber windows require careful maintenance to ensure they remain in good order. A lack of attention to them regularly could result in:

Sashes that do not slide easily.

Holes in the frame that allow water to enter and cause damage and decay.

Water can penetrate the putty and cause decay to the frame or the cill.

Steel casement windows gained popularity in the I920s and I930s because they were sturdy and slim, cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. However, research has proven that traditional softwood sash windows can be just as thermally efficient as double-glazed PVC-u windows and may be more appealing than the sleek lines of modern casement windows.

The window replacement industry has made a significant effort to persuade house owners that their traditional windows are old, dirty, and beyond repair. Many older timber windows are repairable and can be used for a long time with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. If you fail to maintain your window seal repairs's sash, it could lead to the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause paint and putty degrade. The removal of the sashes may also cause structural movement within the frame which causes the sash to be misaligned and in a position that it is not able to close properly. It is also possible for the sash be stuck or fixed in an open position and this can let water and draughts enter the property.

Damage to windows made of timber is often caused by water infiltration. This can be prevented with thorough painting, periodic repairs, and removing the cause of dampness. Wet rot is easily identified due to the wavy appearance of the paint, which can be stripped to reveal rotting, soft timber. Any timber that is rotting should be cut out and the affected part carefully cut or pieced with replacements made of the same type of wood as those remaining. This repair method increases the amount of fabric used in the first place and is among the least invasive ways to treat the rot that occurs between timber and timber.

A wood condenser made of resin is an alternative to traditional process of sanding or staining. This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is especially useful for treating pulley cords and sash, which can help prevent breakage.

It is important to restore and not replace any historical ironmongery such as sash latches and stays. They can be extremely difficult to replace without harming the quality of the original design. It is also advised that modern aluminium fittings like sashlifts and chainstays, be avoided as they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.